George Karl Says He Despises The Lakers

Laker fans, don't get too wound up. George Karl, head coach of the Denver Nuggets said this with respect.

As camps got underway Karl, never one to mince words, said to the Denver Post "I just despise the Lakers. There is a bigger description for it but I can't use it in public."

Karl went on to say about his dislike for the Lakers "I've been beaten by them too many times. I didn't expect them to be bad this season, but when they got Steve Nash I can't deny I was upset."

Last season, Karl's rebuilt Nuggets team took the Lakers to seven games before losing a tough game in Los Angeles. It was the third time in the last five years the Lakers have taken out Karl's Nuggets.

This season, the Lakers have not only added Nash but of course their biggest move, acquiring Dwight Howard, has made them the big favorites in the West.

The big question to me is this: the Lakers have a great starting unit but they are old and that bench is thin. Very thin. That, to me, will be the Lakers biggest challenge. How will Mike Brown save his starters or pace his starters for the playoffs with a thin bench and a bunch of players who are used to playing big minutes?